History repeats itself as Van Persie and Rooney secure 2-0 win over Palace

Just as they did in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford back in November, goals from Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney secured a 2-0 win for Manchester United over Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon.

Again, like earlier in the season, it was a spot-kick from Van Persie that put the champions in front though this time around they had to wait until after half time to make the breakthrough.

Rooney, who signed a new contract with the club last week, celebrated by doubling the visitor’s advantage shortly after with his tenth goal of the season.

The England international has now scored ten league goals this campaign, becoming only the second player after Chelsea’s Frank Lampard to reach double figures in the Premier League for ten consecutive seasons.

The victory sees United move up to sixth place, though they are no closer to the top four in terms of points, after Liverpool secured a 4-3 win over Swansea City on Sunday afternoon.

Fellow title challengers Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City also registered home wins on Saturday, over Everton, Sunderland and Stoke City respectively while sixth place Tottenham Hotspur were beaten at Norwich City yesterday.

David Moyes’ men will now turn their attention to tomorrow evening’s Champions League clash with Olympiakos, before returning to Premier League action at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday afternoon.